The Fly on the Wall – Dr. James A. Scudder

Today’s Scripture: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall sometimes? If you were, you might be privy to conversations like this one:

Disgruntled church member No.1: “Well, I think pastor should have picked a different color for the carpeting. This taupe color is absolutely ridiculous.”

Disgruntled church member No. 2: “I agree, but more importantly I really feel that Mr. Jones is completely unqualified to teach our Sunday school class. I was thinking about it this morning during the church service. He has not even been saved as long as I have and they have him up there directing a class?”

No. 1: “True. And you know what? Mr. Thompson does not have a music degree. Do you really think he should be the choir director? I attended a university to study music, I should know.”

Do you have any idea how often conversations like these take place in hushed tones in church lobbies? These kinds of problems even happened thousands of years ago in the early church. I may not have been there to hear it, but just take a look at the book of Corinthians. ‘I am baptized of Paul.’ ‘I follow Apollos.’ ‘I am of Cephas.’ Their pride is enough to make your head spin.

But let’s not judge too quickly. We all have pride within us. Some of us cover it up better than others, but it is a struggle for everyone. Pride is that competitive part of our sin nature that only finds pleasure in having more than the next person. It goes against everything God teaches, causing us not to be at peace. There is no fault which makes us more unpalatable than pride. Our Lord desires for us to exercise humility in order to create unity in his church and to follow the leadership He has placed over us.

What would “the fly on the wall” hear if he was on the dashboard of your car or on the counter in your kitchen? Think about it honestly. Because it is God who puts your leaders over you, you should respect them and trust their counsel. Don’t cause discord and strife. Remember, you may not have a spy-fly on your wall, but your Savior hears every word.